Another vote for Dekton and Sileston Quartz worktops, use them all the time in our projects as so much more forgiving and low maintenance than granite or marble. Agree that Corian is a good option if you have a large island to prevent visible joins, whilst it has other benefits you do need to be very careful when it comes to heat. Vast range of colours and textures in all types nowadays so the type of material shouldn't limit the effect you want to achieve - be that traditional or contemporary. I am always a big advocate that a worktop is an investment, there is no point spending a large sum on a beautiful quality kitchen and then finishing it off with a worktop that won't stand up to time as well as the rest of the room or cheapen the look - I always recommend to go for the best you can afford.

Generally it has to be Quartz, though we do love others, as sometimes they can give the right feel for the design you want. Different metals can look amazing and Quartz can't replicate these. We are just starting a project that has mainly Quartz but one side of the island will be copper . . . Can't wait to see the finished look

Hi, your kitchen looks beautiful! came across threads as we too are currently debating diy kitchens cashmere or light grey, we have ordered cashmere and started to have doubts that it would be too dark. Though looking at yours I'm reassured again! I just wondered what wood worktop/and poss stain you have chosen? We looked at a solid wood oak but i thought it looked a bit yellowy. (fab choice on floor too)

Thanks ‘Man about the house’, we hope to house the boiler, but as it’s non-standard size (it’s a commercial sized boiler) we are exploring doing a bespoke cabinet with a standard door but this depends on the cost! I like the idea of a light and airy kitchen - will definitely explore this. For cabinet doors, am now thinking perhaps f&b ammonite coloured doors but worried that grey won’t be in fashion in a few years so perhaps looking at colours that are more classical/light such as f&b old white or James white. Currently testing these colours on our kitchen wall! Will post pictures when am home.